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14 Call Center Interview Questions & Answers

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The call center industry is one of the fastest growing in the country these days. As recently as ten years ago, there were only a few call center agents and the word call center was hardly ever used in the country. Today, almost every family has at least one member working in the call center industry. The reason for this boom is partly economics. In the Philippines, low paying jobs are very notorious and while call centers set up shop here because of the low labor costs, Filipinos decide to work for the call center industry because it pays higher than average wages. Consider this: if you are an average worker with an entry level position, you probably are getting paid seven to ten thousand a month; meanwhile, an average employee in the call center industry with an entry level position will get around fifteen thousand pesos a month, plus free dental and health benefits (HMO). Call centers also will pay your SSS (Social Security), PAGIBIG (home building fund), and PhilHealth (health ins...
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Awakening the Sacred Voice Within

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In November of last year, I had the opportunity to attend a numismatic lecture at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Since it was happening on the same day, I also decided to attend a concert at the Manila Cathedral. I arrived at the BSP several hours early so I could visit their museum as well. The BSP entrance closest to the museum is along Roxas Boulevard and is within walking distance from the Quirino LRT Station. The building that houses the museum is just a few meters away from Gate 6, which is also where they hold public events such as the numismatic lecture I attended. While modern and sleek, the BSP Museum was somewhat underwhelming. It does give visitors a general overview of the evolution of money in the Philippines, but I’ve seen more expansive and interesting collections from private individuals. What did impress me, however, was the staff. Everyone I encountered was very polite, courteous, and helpful. As far as precolonial gold is concerned, the Ayala Museum has, in...
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Lan Hot Pot Buffet Review

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My first time trying an all-you-can-eat hotpot buffet happened today at Lan Hot Pot in SM North EDSA. My friend and I went to their newly opened branch at the Annex. We made a reservation for 10:30 AM because that was the schedule given to us on Messenger. On the day itself, we found out that the mall opens at 11 AM during the holiday season, so the restaurant located on the third floor also opened at 11. Just something to keep in mind if you’re planning to go early this holiday season. The space-themed restaurant is a bit small, so it gets busy even on weekdays. The best time to visit is right when they open so everything is freshly stocked and there aren’t too many people yet. During the lunch rush, some meats may take a while to be refilled. Once seated, the staff will ask for your soup base. Their bestsellers are the Signature Chicken Soup and the Satay Soup. Since my friend and I both like spicy food, we went for the spicy option. They also have a sauce-mixing station with a recip...
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Medal Restoration Project

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A few days ago, I bought a set of collectible medals online. Haul: 1. Marcos Inauguration Medal 2. Imelda PICC Inauguration Medal 3. Marcos and Imelda Medal 4. Kamagi Medal 5. 1933 Vatican Jubilee Medal 6. Opus Dei Medal What started as a simple cleaning experiment turned into a surprisingly satisfying restoration journey. Many of these medals had stubborn rust spots and tarnish that wouldn’t budge with regular metal polish, especially the Kamagi Medal. I tried a few methods, including hydrogen peroxide and a vinegar–baking soda soak. The result? A much cleaner surface, with the original bronze and brass tones finally showing through again. They’re still far from mint condition, but I think they look much better than when I first bought them. I decided to turn the medals with loops into wearable vintage jewelry pieces. Interestingly, I hadn’t seen a Kamagi Medal in mint condition before starting the restoration. I later discovered that the black patina was part of the original design. ...
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The DTI has spoken: businesses must accept cash

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In an age where QR codes, e-wallets, and cashless payments are everywhere, many Filipinos may have probably experienced being told, “Cashless Payments only”. At the Land Transportation Office (LTO), for instance, several applicants recently complained that they were required to use GCash and even charged a “convenience fee” for doing so. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have made it clear that this is not allowed. In a recent advisory, the DTI reminded all merchants and establishments that cash remains legal tender in the Philippines and must be accepted without discrimination. While digital payments are encouraged for convenience, consumers still have the right to choose to pay in cash. Why this matters Even as cashless options like GCash, Maya, and QR Ph have become more common in recent times, many Filipinos still rely on physical money. Refusing cash payments excludes these consumers and goes against both consumer protection and f...
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Relive the Golden Age of the Philippines

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Step back into the Philippines’ so-called golden era under King Ferdinand and Queen Imelda with this vintage bronze inauguration medal, a true relic of history, politics, and pageantry. The back boldly declares “This Nation Can Be Great Again”, words that sound strikingly familiar in today’s world (👀 yes, long before Trump said it!). In fact, I wonder what time they were alluding to. Were we a great nation before the Spanish invasion in the 1500s? Condition: Good overall vintage condition with visible age-related wear and patina consistent with its age. Some surface marks and light oxidation in recessed areas, particularly around the lettering and design details, but both obverse and reverse remain clearly legible and well-defined. The medal retains a warm bronze tone and a pleasing aged character that reflects its history. Available via Carousell: Check out 'VINTAGE 1965 Ferdinand Marcos Inauguration Bronze Medal', available at PHP 1,350 on #Carousell: https://carousell.com/p...
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Collecting Stamps in the Age of E-commerce

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There was a time when collecting stamps was one of the most popular hobbies in the world. It connected people across countries, cultures, and even generations. Each small square of paper carried a story, a piece of history, or a face that once symbolized a nation’s pride. Today, with the rise of digital communication and online marketplaces, the world of philately has quietly transformed. When my father gave me some stamps as a kid, stamp collecting was already a dying hobby. It was very hard to grow a collection because the only time I could get my hands on stamps was when someone received mail.  When I started collecting stamps, exchanging stamps with other collectors was no longer a thing. It wasn't until my father studied in a different country where they had hobby shops that sold stamps that I was able to grow my collection significantly. Perhaps things were different in Manila, because I remember seeing used stamps for sale at some antique shops in SM Megamall, as well a...
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